In 2024, the EU27 imported 1.46 million tonnes of tropical wood and wood furniture products with a total value of US$3.09 billion, respectively 8% and 3% less than the previous year.<\/p>\n
In quantity terms, this is the lowest level of imports of these products ever recorded since the EU was first formed (as the EEC) in 1957. It is also 19% below the average for the pre-pandemic 2013-2019 period when imports were static at a historically low level.<\/p>\n
EU27 import value of tropical wood and wood furniture products last year was only slightly above the annual average of US$3.06 billion during the 2013-2019 period. When account is taken of inflation, import value last year was more than 15% below the pre-pandemic level.<\/p>\n
Nominal unit prices (not adjusted for inflation) for tropical wood and wood furniture imported into the EU increased again in 2024 after falling the previous year from record levels achieved during the pandemic.<\/p>\n
The average price per tonne of all EU27 tropical wood and wood furniture imports fell from a record high of US$2250 per tonne in 2022 to US$2005 per tonne in 2023, before rebounding to US$2116 per tonne last year. This was partly owing to inflation and partly to a shift in the tropical wood product groups imported into the EU last year with relatively higher value finished furniture and joinery products performing better than sawnwood, mouldings and logs.<\/p>\n
Quarterly data provides some slight grounds for optimism that the market may have hit bottom at the end of last year. Total EU27 imports of tropical wood and wood furniture of 391,200 tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2024 were up 9% compared to the previous quarter and up 13% compared to the same quarter in 2023. Nevertheless, import tonnage during the last quarter of 2024 still fell below quarterly trade figures typical during the prepandemic 2013-2019 period.<\/p>\n
The trade figures look healthier when considered in value terms. EU27 import value of tropical wood and wood furniture in the fourth quarter of 2024 was US$800 million, 5% more than the previous quarter and 18% up on the same quarter in 2023. In value terms, imports during the last quarter of 2024 were more closely aligned with those of the pre-pandemic 2013-2019 period.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In 2024, the EU27 imported 1.46 million tonnes of tropical wood and wood furniture products with a total value of US$3.09 billion, respectively 8% and 3% less than the previous year. In quantity terms, this is the lowest level of … Continue reading